You can use what ever data you want. But here are a few sources which could help you to get started or give you new ideas ๐
Because the challenge is aimed to be open for everyone, the tools listed here will be open source tools. Still, the challenge can be done with any kind of software (or even without any software). Programming skills are not in any way a requirement to do the maps.
If you want to make maps with QGIS, this video is a great starting point. Check out also other videos by Klas Karlson - Excellent QGIS introduction YouTube series by Steven Bernard - QGIS Tutorials and Tips by Ujaval Gandhi - Tutorial on how to make 3D landscapes and city models by Alasdair Rae - Blog post by Kenneth Field about the basics of mapmaking
In 2021 there were more than 1200 mappers and more than 9000 maps created for the challenge. In 2020 more than 1000 people posted more than 7000 maps for the challenge on different platforms. If you want to see some maps from past challenges, browse the hashtag on Twitter or check the official website of the challenge and browse different years.
#30DayMapChallenge bot by Haifeng Niu harvested comprehensive stats and maps from the challenge
In 2020 & 2019 David Friggens did a huge lift on the 30DayMapChallenge2020Metadata repository with metadata & interactive gallery.
No matter if you are a GIS expert or never made a map before this challenge, everyone is welcome to participate,
But keep in mind a few things: - All maps you publish have to be your original work. Donโt steal content from others. - Give credit to the original data source whenever possible. - The challenge is all about creativity, openness and the joy of beautiful maps and cartography. It is not a competition, - Donโt be an asshole.
Inspiration for the challenge came from Inktober and Tidy Tuesday.